Strong commitment to Mirarr-led Jabiru future

A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in Jabiru to secure the town’s future as the tourism heartland of the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park.

Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley joined Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo, Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) and Traditional Owners from the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) for the signing of the MoU, which supports the town’s transition from a mining town to a tourist town.

ERA is scheduled to cease operations at the Ranger Mine by 2021. The four MoU parties have committed to their role in the future of Jabiru and to growing the town as a regional services and tourism hub for Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem region.

Valerie Balmoore, Chair of GAC and a senior Mirarr Traditional Owner, said the Corporation has formed a new partnership with the NT Government, Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd, to guide the post-mining move, and developed a Jabiru Master Plan to drive the town’s evolution.

“The Masterplan is our vision for the new Jabiru town. We welcome the investment commitments from the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory and ERA in supporting our goals. Jabiru and Kakadu are places where we can share our cultural heritage with future generations,” Ms Balmoore said.